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Votes at a glance: Waxahachie ISD board approves consent agenda, pre-K program, class-size waiver and high-school GMP
Summary
At the meeting the Waxahachie ISD board approved the consent agenda, authorized an additional consent item for burying power lines, approved a TEA class‑size waiver for one student, approved a tuition-based pre-K pilot, accepted a completed STEAM project and approved the final guaranteed maximum price for the new high school (one abstention).
The Waxahachie ISD Board of Trustees took multiple formal actions during a March meeting. Key outcomes are listed below; motions, seconders and vote tallies are included where recorded.
Consent agenda and additional consent item
- Consent agenda (items A–W): Motion by Mr. McCutcheon, second by Mrs. Zimmerman. Vote: 7–0 in favor; outcome approved. The board approved a set of routine items, many related to Proposition C construction work and operational business.
- Additional consent (item X — Hancock Building power-line relocation authority): After the initial consent vote the board separately approved an additional consent item to authorize further work with Encore to relocate power lines related to the Hancock Building athletic fields and granted authority up to $200,000. Motion by Mr. Scofield, second by Mr. Pitts. Vote: 7–0; outcome approved. Staff reported the current quote to move lines (above ground relocation) was about $79,000; the board authorized up to $200,000 to pursue burying or relocating lines as required.
Specific action items
- Action A — TEA maximum class-size exemption waiver: The board approved a TEA class-size waiver requested so a fourth-grade student could remain at Simpson Elementary even though the class exceeded the 22:1 cap, because alternate placement would have required adding a bus route. Motion: Mrs. Kriegel; second: Mrs. Scofield. Vote: 7–0; outcome approved. Staff noted the waiver is for a single student and that after spring break the waiver requirement no longer applies.
- Action B — Tuition-based WISD pre-K program for 2025–26: The board approved a district tuition-based pre-K pilot (two full-day classrooms at Jimmy Ray Elementary) to be filled by lottery. Staff estimated the program would be roughly cost-neutral if full, with tuition in the market range (~$5,500) and two certified teachers plus paraprofessionals required. Motion: Miss Timmerman; second: Mr. Scofield. Vote: 7–0; outcome approved.
- Action C — Accept Wyoming/Wollman STEAM Academy project as complete and authorize retainage release: Staff asked the board to accept the recently opened Wyoming STEAM project as complete and authorize release of retainage to BTC upon receipt of final draw documents. Motion/second not named on record; vote: 7–0; outcome approved. Staff reported the project completed under its GMP and that BTC’s punch list work was finished.
- Action D — Approve GMP 4 for Waxahachie Creek High School (remaining scope): The board approved a guaranteed maximum price from Poe Construction for the remaining scope of the new high school at $229,146,852. Motion: Miss Timmerman; second: Mr. McCutcheon. Vote: 6 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention (Mr. Pitts abstained, citing a potential conflict of interest related to ownership of neighboring property); outcome approved.
Notes on votes and process
- Where the transcript recorded named makers and seconders, those are recorded above; several routine consent items were approved by a single omnibus motion and roll. The board followed the standard motion/second/vote format; no items were tabled or failed.
Ending
The approvals clear the way for staff to proceed with construction contracting, to implement a tuition pre-K pilot for next school year and to process a narrow, one‑student TEA waiver. Staff will return with further procurement and budget details at subsequent board workshops.
